Ljungberg – who spent eight years at Arsenal – has backed the club to finally end its recent trophy drought in the near future if Wenger invests in some experienced players.

"Arsenal didn't change their philosophy in recent years, with the same coach they developed their own particular style, 'Arsenal style'," he told Goal. "Unfortunately they had to complete the payment for the Emirates Stadium so they couldn't invest that much in top players, but I think they will do so more often in the next few years. When you work so much on your youth academy, then you also need some ready champions who may be able to help young players to improve.

"I'm confident to see Arsenal back on top very soon, winning trophies again."

Ljungberg also admits he expected to see Arsenal challenge for the title this season, but claims Liverpool's success – the Reds are on the verge of claiming a first league title since 1990 – has taken him by surprise.

"To be honest, last summer I didn't expect to see Liverpool on top," he added. "I believed that teams like Arsenal, Chelsea and [Manchester] City were much more gifted than the Reds.

"But now I say that they fully deserve what they're getting: they have a wonderful striker like [Luis] Suarez, and [Steven] Gerrard is having an astonishing campaign. And they really play attractive football."